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Thomas Hunter · Sage Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

OK... I had brought this up in another thread, and it has gotten confusing to me. So this thread will discuss this topic exclusively. My research on the subject in Lore and history shows that there are so many contradictory belief's on the subject, and yes the resources that were pointed out in the previous dicussion has some valid and useful information, but in my opinion, for the purpose of Roleplaying Lycan in UO, has several limiting factors. The biggest being that one must be born a lycan.

Several People from the community have PM'd me with interest in playing a shapeshifter char, and there is a few that would like to organize the lycan/shapeshifters into a group for mutual Roleplay.

Instead of my making up rules, which some might see as godmoding/metagaming, I have found a link to the rules that I was basing my rules off of, the Anita Blake Series. Those can be found
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shapeshifters_%28Anita_Blake_mythology%29

I am creating a character, solely for the purpose of playing a lycan. He will be able to shape shift at will, and will be an Alpha Male. I want to use these rules because in my opinion they clearly define what can and can't be done, without stepping on toes.

There are a few game specific rules I want to add. In the series, there is a vaccine to keep one from becoming lycan. In game, there is a poultice that can be applied to prevent the disease. This would eliminate Godmoding because one wolf can not bite you and force your char to turn. It would be a choice on your part.

You can be injured in any means allowed by game mechanics, but for the sake of Roleplay, the Wolf Slayer Dagger must be used to create lasting and possibly permanent injury or death. If you elect to become another Were animal, such as Wererat, you would be susceptible to slayer weps of that type. In the old days, silver weapons were used for slaying undead. They are no longer available, but for the sake of this topic, slayer weapons are laced with silver. For mages, slayer spellbooks would have the same RP effect as a slayer weapon.

In addition, people with Necromancy in game would have a greater tie and possibly some control over the were animals as Anita Blake does in the series. This could allow for some interesting plot lines and strengthen the ties between umbra and lycan.

I know some of you might not like these rules, but I am asking as a community to adopt a set of rules that can be used now and in the future. In addition I am asking if you are interested in possibly partaking in a Lycan plot or community within the ARPC. Thanks. If you don't agree with these rules, eitehr post the rules you want to use, or a link to them. As a community, we can come to a set of rules adopted but not forced on us all. Thanks again.
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"Always speak the Truth even if it leads to your death." - Lord Godfrey

Lord Fong · Sage Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 706 Location: Moonglow

I don't really have a pro or con opinion on these rules, but I would suggest looking into classic table top games for a really soild rule set for playing a lycan, this is some good lore, but I would consider picking it apart, adding some table top elements and running with it from there.
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It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. - Samuel Adams

Toren Smythe · Seasoned Veteran Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 478

My problem with adapting a rule set for general lycan rp now would be that... we have alot of lycans in our community and they have been doing it their own way for a long time, and it's working. Why not let them, if anyone, look at something and develop a few guidelines. They would be best suited to doing it if anyone here. But that would be my suggestion, rather than imposing rules to the people playing lycans and what not. VTM is the commonly accepted ruleset for Vampires, but it has been for a long time here. We don't have a commonly accepted ruleset for wereanimals but I think that's alright. It's not like there are a rubbish of problems associated with it.
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Lord Fong · Sage Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 706 Location: Moonglow

Yea, I agree with you Toren. I don't think we should have one rule set for the whole community, and the thought of trying to get everyone to agree on one.... Shocked

Lets just say I would be taking a break from reading the boards for a couple weeks.
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It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. - Samuel Adams

Thomas Hunter · Sage Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

Perfectly understandable. Forget I asked. Not trying to force my opinion on anyone. That is the ruleset I am going to use. Just don't want anyone to think I am godmoding.
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"Always speak the Truth even if it leads to your death." - Lord Godfrey

Lord Fong · Sage Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 706 Location: Moonglow

you seem to be keeping in-game mech's in mind, so i'm sure you'll be ok. My only question is what are the thoughts of those who already play lycans in terms of transforming...do you use moon cycles? or is it more of a whenever you feel like it type of thing
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It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. - Samuel Adams

Mairsil · Lore Master Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 1241

Thomas, If you want to use certain rp that does or does not contradict with other lycan players, there is nothing wrong with that. As fong said you seem to try to keep game mechanics in mind, which is good.

I wouldn't say you are forcing your opinion on anyone, but I wouldn't just give up one whatever you think is right either. In this situation, I might suggest you implement your rule set for your specific 'clan' of lycans. That way, the differences between the way you and your followers rp vs the way some like Merci or myself rp, will add to the rp experience should we ever come across each other.
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"You see I can not be forsaken, because I'm not the only one. We walk amongst you, beating, r#ping, must we hide from everyone?" - Jon Davis

Mairsil · Lore Master Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Posts: 1241

Currently Merci and Myr are doing some lycan stuff so it might be interesting if our paths in rp crossed at some point.
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"You see I can not be forsaken, because I'm not the only one. We walk amongst you, beating, r#ping, must we hide from everyone?" - Jon Davis

Dae · Adventurer Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 38

Alright, my opinion, and it is mine since I actively play a lycan with the ability to transform into two other creatures (obviously wolf being one of them)...

It is your choice whether you want to rp transforming with moon cycles or based on hunger/anger/on command. RP wise my character initially transformed on a whim as it was not controllable...ie a smell, a sight, a thought, a feeling, anything made her transform. In time she learned how to transform on command, eventually becoming able to transform at will.

As far as having ties with necromancers...being that I resided in Umbra for a year (home still there) there is a level of connection I have with them, however it is not as strong as say with other lycans.

As far as turning another...I do not believe in godmoding, this should be something discussed ooc and agreed upon with both parties. If they agree the person will seek out a cure, then so be it. But as I am sure others will agree with me it is an honor to be given the "gift", which I may add you "don't" only have to be born with. It's just that those born with it cannot be cured, those given the gift can choose if they wish to be cured.

I may have forgot to address some things but if I remember I'll edit and add em later.
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Shifters of Sosaria

Ceinwyn ab'Arawn · Transcendent Spammer Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 5017

I agree with Dae and Mairsil on this. I think how it's going so far is pretty good. I didn't notice a necessity for a set ruleset. We have lycans of both kinds in Umbra, both born that way and bitten into it.

When it comes to turning people, as Dae says, make sure it is agreed on OOC.

Lord Fong · Sage Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 706 Location: Moonglow

I like Mrys idea of discribing your pack's particuler traits and characteristics. It would be a neat read I'm sure. Sorry to keep poking my nose in I usually try to keep to myself and just read through most things but I have a bit of an obsesion werewolfs be it movies or books, I just don't know if I would ever RP one (mainly because I don't want to train ninjitsu).
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It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. - Samuel Adams

Dae · Adventurer Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 38

magery also gives the ability to transform into a wolf using polymorph but as was already mentioned, lycans are not only wolves, just more commonly associated as such.
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Shifters of Sosaria

Dinaxle'lin Quil · Visitor Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 6

I will explain the way of my qu'ellar. I will explain it once and once only! Humans,... pay attention! I will speak slow so that your minds might comprehend.

The power to heeth thir'ku, that is,... as you say, shape shift,... is a gift of Lloth!! *bows to the south* All creatures, big and small,... but mostly big... with big fangs that can shred your flesh into little, little pieces,... are subject to her awesome power. If you are worthy, such as I, Dinaxle'lin Quil,... *smirks* you will receive Lloth's belbol. She provides me a wondrous piwafwi... as you say, a cloak... that, combined with the greatness that is Dinaxle'lin Quil, I am worthy of receiving her most coveted gift! *bows to the south again*

Do you understand? Lloth's belbol, piwafwi, greatness of Dinaxle'lin Quil?
*looks down condescendingly*
No, you do not. Silly humans! *laughs*

As for your... rules,... these rules of the human Thomas Hunter,... no, I do not like them, and no, I will not abide by them.
*puts on his cloak, changes into a were-ferrit and bites human Thomas Hunter's leg, infecting him with wear-ferrit rabies, but he does not die, due to getting were-rabie shot last year from Umbran bloodletter*

Ceinwyn ab'Arawn · Transcendent Spammer Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 5017

(an aside- Lloth's powers will eventually fade on the surface, the items will lose enchantment over time)

Silly Ilythirii, this topic is for lycans. Razz

Merci d'Rue · Babbling Loony Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 2810

I have a vampire that follows the Vtm ruleset to a T and one that is kinda loosely based. I enjoy both. I can imagine it is the same for Lycans, you have that choice.

As for mooncycles. I have not cared to incorporate them in my rp simply because, A. I am staying away from things that strongly feel reminiscent of typical hollywood werewolf movies, and B. because the moon cycles have been overridden by a potion. I went thru much trouble to get this potion, so that Merci could transform less, only when extreme duress was placed upon her.

Yet I would gladly accept and recognize a Lycan who followed it as a another clan. Different from my own. I think the persons back story on whom they were prior to turning has a big lot to do with it.

Thats my two cents, look forward to meeting your Lycan in game.
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May destiny guide you...